Poverty-stricken girl ventures into men's domain

Lucknow, May 23: In a rare show of courage and an amazing sense of duty towards her family , a teen-aged girl took up oars, otherwise a men's domain, for her family's upkeep.

Setting an example for many other women, who may have landed in almost every field, but are still far away from watercraft business.

Parul Tiwari, a 19 year-old-girl, is rowing a boat to fetch bread and butter for her family.

She is pursuing graduation from Lucknow University and after returning from the varsity, she reaches Kudiyaghat here to begin her water journey with ''Jal ki Rani''(Parul's boat).

People enjoy sailing on the girl's boat as it is a rare spectacle.

Parul said ''I am rowing boat from last seven to eight years. Only after this, I manage to meet my education and daily expenses.'' At times, Parul also handles her father's duties, who is a priest by profession, when he is unwell.

''I hardly care what people think about me, as no one, even relatives, came to lend help in our bad times,'' Parul added.

Earlier, her elder brother was into the boat sailing business, but doctors advised him not to do so over some illness.

Though she wanted to pursue BEd and become a teacher, she took the responsibilty and started rowing.